Understanding Cosmetic Facelift

Facelift is a major surgery and a complex procedure that demands extensive understanding in facial anatomy. The surgeon should also have an extraordinary eye for aesthetic detail. Since not all physicians practicing cosmetic surgery have received facelift surgery training, it is crucial to be very careful when choosing a facelift surgeon.

You can enquire about specific training and experience of the potential cosmetic surgeon at a consultation session. It really helps to know the number of facelift procedures the surgeon has performed. Have a look at several pictures (before and after photos) during consultation. This will help you get a feel for aesthetic style of the surgeon.

It is very important to choosing a board certified cosmetic surgeon. This is to ensure that your potential surgeon is primarily trained and experienced in undertaking facelift techniques.

Types of Facelifts

A facelift surgery is customized to a patient’s personal requirements and facial anatomy. Hence, a cosmetic surgeon must tailor techniques accordingly.

Mini-Facelift

This surgery is ideal for patients with mild degree of sagging and jowling of skin. Mini facelift is a less invasive technique and involves tightening of deep facial tissues by a cosmetic surgeon using shorter incisions. The incisions are usually located along the hairline right above each ear. These may also be located in the natural creases adjoining the ear. The surgeon lifts and tightens structural tissues around the cheeks with incisions. The end result is elimination of jowling, a refined jawline, and a rejuvenated appearance. The face doesn’t appear dull or tired anymore.

The process is conducted either using general anesthesia or sedation depending on the requirement. A mini-facelift is very helpful in addressing signs of aging way before they become pronounced. Adopting this facelift can help you postpone the requirement for extensive surgery for years to come.

Standard Facelift

Also referred to as a traditional facelift, the standard facelift is a surgical procedure that addresses moderate to advanced aging fully around the mid-face and neck. Although this surgery is more extensive when compared to a mini-facelift, and the recovery time required is also more. The results achieved are also more dramatic.

When conducting a standard facelift, the cosmetic surgeon will make incisions behind the hairline, beginning near the temples, and about the front part of the ear. These are perfectly hidden within the natural folds. Deeper tissues are repositioned under the skin. Excess skin is also removed to smoothen creases and eliminate sagging skin (under the chin) / jowling (cheeks). This helps restoring a naturally youthful contour to the entire face and neck.

Life Post Facelift Surgery

Although a complex process demanding exceptionally good surgical skill, facelift needs very less time for recovery. It is quite surprising that most patients are able to return to normal daily activities within just two weeks. The cosmetic surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions on aftercare and your return to normal activity.

The major concern most people have following a facelift is their look. They want to know how soon they will look presentable. It is normal to experience swelling and bruising and swelling after a facelift. These will be at their maximum after two days of surgery. Gradually, the after effects will get better. As far as wearing makeup to hide bruising, the cosmetic surgeon may advice you when it is safe to do so.

Once you start getting back to normal routine, keep the face protected from sun. The skin is vulnerable to sunburn even weeks after surgery. Stay out of sun if possible. When going out in the sun, apply sunscreen or wear a wide-brimmed hat.

Long Term Results of the Surgery

A facelift is designed specifically to look natural and even ages naturally if performed by an experienced, board certified cosmetic surgeon. Although aging cannot be controlled with a facelift, it helps you look years younger.

There are a number of things you can do to maintain the results:

– Maintain a healthy, stable body weight.

– Avoid frequent weight fluctuations as it may make the skin stretch out again.